Past my Prime

I am not an old foggy

Well past my prime

I still jog at dawn with my doggy

calling me old is a crime!

All my teeth are in the right place

so what if you call them dentures

My eye-sight is still in the race

after both my cataract-ops adventures!

Did you say, I open the door

only after the third ring

Surely aren’t you sore

‘cause my will leaves you nothing?

I can still button my shirt

and comb my scanty hair

I often follow anything in a skirt

Without fearing a kick in my rear!

Or do you grudge my age

Where I have wisdom on my side?

I’ll always be the rage

No matter how much I age

I’ll never be alone

Though I may have none by my side!
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Middle age

If teenage is the silver age

Middle age is the golden age!

When every Romeo becomes a sage

‘Old is gold’ becomes just another adage!

Whether you are above 30 or below 50

you are never under-age or above-age

but properly in the middle age!

Out of your secret book, may we draw a page

To see how we can conceal our age?
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Sweet Sixteen!

I have always been sweet sixteen

How can I be eighteen?

If anyone thinks otherwise, she’s just being mean

Anyway, I almost never create a scene !

I’m so sweet, I’m just meant to be seen

by everyone, including my college Dean!

I’m mostly dressed in a skirt or jeans

Neither will ever spill my beans!

To hide my true age, I’ll try all means

I’ll never grow up; & will forever remain in my teens

Because you see, its all in my genes!

If my mummy hasn’t grown up yet

I cannot get any older, not yet, you bet!

Hence, I’ll always croon & preen

I am only ‘SWEET SIXTEEN’!
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

New blog exclusively for short stories and novels written by me

Dear friends,

From today, I've started a new blog dedicated exclusively to original short stories and novels written by me. I'll be pleased if you could post your comments and let me know your invaluable feedback.

You may also tell me whether the story could've ended differently or if it was perfect!

Please visit http://creativepriyasvision.blogspot.in/ and read my stories. If you like them, you may recommend the blog to your friends and contacts.

The first story is titled The Baby-doll.It is an enigmatic story. Read on to unravel it......

Don't be dejected when rejected

A young girl lies on a sterile hospital bed, with bandages all over her body. Only two slits reveal her eyes filled with anguish and rage. She has been victimized by a spurned suitor, who wouldn’t take “No” for an answer and vented his ire at her rejection; by throwing acid on her. He is of the opinion that if she can’t be his, she cannot belong to anyone else, so he has disfigured her for life. A cowardly and dastardly act, but then strange are the ways of the broken heart!

His actions are also misguided as true love goes much beyond the obvious, physical self and is more a union of the minds and souls. He may have scarred her physical beauty, but she can still win over another guy through her intelligence and talent. His impulsive action also demonstrates the fact that he never loved her in the first place! He was only attracted by her physical beauty.

A true lover will never dream of harming the object of his affection in any way and will even sacrifice his love willingly, if she doesn’t show any interest in him. Thus unrequited love, a one-sided infatuation may have serious consequences for the couple, if the spurned person is unable to handle rejection properly. The girl will be harmed and incapacitated for life and he will spend his life behind bars. What a sheer, avoidable waste of two promising young lives!

Another area where people are often rejected is in an interview for a job. Please don’t blame the interviewing panel or interviewer for your inability to appropriately answer their questions or accuse them of bias. This will only prove that you are unprofessional. Accept the simple and obvious fact that you weren’t adequately prepared for that interview.

You must take it in your stride and strive to straighten out your imperfections and brush up your knowledge in that particular area of expertise, for which you were being interviewed. You could join a professional course that will help you in personality-development and business communication. You could even converse later with the winning candidate about how he tackled his interview and emerged with flying colors. If you are brave enough, you may contact the interviewers later and find out about the areas where you were lacking during the interview so that the next time around, you are better equipped to avoid making similar mistakes.

I know a lady who was a Higher Division Clerk in a reputed Public Sector enterprise. She went for an interview to get promoted to the Officer’s rank, but couldn’t answer fundamental questions about her own job profile and about the department in which she had been working for more than two decades. When she couldn’t clear the interview, she was overheard telling her colleagues that the promotions always went to the ones who buttered up the top brass in the organization! She conveniently refrained from telling them about her ignorance.

Thus look inwards and analyze what went wrong and be honest about it, otherwise you will always be stuck in that same rut of narrow-mindedness and ignorance. Misplaced self-righteousness doesn’t get one anywhere but the bin!

Then there are others who keep repeating the same blunders ad nauseum and keep lamenting about their fate. They are short-sighted and lazy. They don’t want to take corrective action and blame everyone and everything for their own inefficiency and inability to learn from their mistakes. It is often said that one may make mistakes only if one makes new mistakes every time and doesn’t repeat the earlier ones!

A very cruel and subtle form of rejection is when a suitor comes to “see” the girl for considering a marriage proposal, in India and rejects her after a prolonged session of interviewing her and her family members and partaking of delicious sweets and savories, painstakingly prepared for that occasion! Why not be prepared for what you really want to ‘see’ in a girl, namely her qualifications and interests and only zero in on an appropriate match, so that this irritating tradition at least bears fruit! I am sure that the young girls will agree with me that their suitors must come armed with a positive attitude, etiquette and charm.

Often, the suitor doesn’t respond at all and the girl’s family has to constantly pursue him or his family for an answer. Well, he should at least have the courtesy to say a polite “No” and explain why he and his family have considered rejecting that girl for marriage.

A girl, who was rejected by a succession of suitors as she wasn’t very good-looking, committed suicide. She had been made to feel ashamed for no fault of hers! God has given everyone good and bad qualities. Hence we must accept our lot and be satisfied. Just because someone has rejected us doesn’t mean the end of the world. Why should the girls suffer from an inferiority complex and take this extreme step?

Here are some practical solutions to overcome dejection after rejection:

Accept the inevitable and move on in life. Other promising opportunities will soon come your way.

Life is too short for regrets. So live it up and put your unpleasant past behind. One song’s pleasing lyrics come to my mind here. “Where’s the time to hate, when there is so little time to love!”

Be cheerful and confident. Just because someone has rejected you doesn’t mean that you are not worthy, it could mean that that person is unworthy of your sincere affection. Pay heed to the wise owl’s saying, “If you truly love someone, set that person free. If that person returns to you, he/she is yours forever and if he/she doesn’t he/she was never yours!”

Make new friends and involve yourself in the pursuit of new hobbies and interests.
Learn from your mistakes and try to rectify them.

It's very important that you don't stop venturing into new areas of activity due to the fear of rejection. You'll never achieve anything if you are so scared to hear a "No" or "Sorry". Respect other people's opinions and views and march on!

Overcome your fears and phobias through counseling and being with optimistic and confident individuals. Their sheen will surely rub on you and make you a better and adjusted person, ready to take on the world with a genuine smile!
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The copyright of this article is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Dear friends, You may share your experience with me. Were you ever hurt due to rejection and how did you cope with it? Let me know! I am sure that all of us can learn some invaluable lessons from your experience.

Be a graceful loser

I watched in horror as a participant of the Indian Idol contest raved and ranted about the judges’ meanness and bias in front of the audience, when he was asked to leave mid-way. Clearly, this gentleman had not been able to take his defeat graciously and was venting his negativity, thus inadvertently showing his lack of sportsmanship!

Winning and losing are two sides of the same coin; hence one must be able to handle both with a smile on his/her face instead of behaving churlishly. It is this attitude of pride and ego that translates into violence, peevishness and sulking. One must remember that there are many people around who may be more talented than one-self; hence congratulating the winner must win over howling and making a scene! Blaming the judges for one’s own inefficiency is a strict no-no.

Indeed, children must be encouraged right since their growing years, to be able to accept defeat graciously. They must be explained the irrefutable adage that, “Winning is not as important as trying to succeed. Try and try again till you succeed!” The winner and loser must shake hands and the loser must warmly congratulate the winner and the winner must smile and say, “Better luck next time buddy. You put up a tough fight! It was a pleasure playing with you.”

One can’t always win in life or even in what one does every now and then! Obviously, someone has to lose for the winner to win! The next best thing that a loser can do is roll up his sleeves, tighten his socks and strive hard for success the next time around. He/she must look upon it as a challenge and overcome his shortcomings and polish his/her skills/talent so that he/she can be in the spot-light as a winner, in future.

I am reminded of my father’s friend who was a sportsman and played several games like hockey, badminton, table-tennis, etc. He was partial to ‘Scrabble’ and just adored the board-game, so much so that he was always rearing for a game or two and on the look-out for new partners. It goes without saying that he always wanted to win and was proud of his prowess with a magnificent vocabulary. The heavens would fall whenever he met an opponent who routed him. He would scatter the tiles on the board and sulk throughout the day. I always wonder, till date, about how he could be so un-sportsman-like. Surely he should’ve had the sporting spirit!

No one likes to lose, but when defeat is inevitable, accept it. The mighty Emperor Alexander defeated the valiant King Porus in battle. He then asked Porus “How would you like to be treated?” Porus proudly replied, “Treat me as you would treat another King!” The Emperor was impressed beyond words and accorded him great respect.
Even if the winner jeers at you and says unkind, hurtful words, never retort like-wise. Show your polite demeanor and make them squirm! You may say quietly, “There’s always a next time.” Thus leave it unsaid but certain that you’ll win the next time.

If you are overwhelmed by your loss and feel like crying, go ahead. It’ll definitely make you feel better and prove that you are human, not a superman or superwoman. Of course, one always admires the brave ones who just stand tall and quiet, composed and smiling as they wave to the audience and take a bow. Look at those elegant ladies who haven't won the coveted title in a beauty contest!

So be a sport in defeat and bowl over the world with your grace!
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The copyright of this article is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Dear friends, I am eagerly waiting for your feedback. Let your comments flow....

Good Luck!

Does charm bring you good luck
Or do good luck charms?
Do good-luck charms suck
Or work their charms?

Hang a horse-shoe outside your house
You needn’t open the doors for
The luck that is sure to enter;
For, it doesn’t have any option!

Count on your lucky numbers, colours, days
Be sure that it always pays
To be in their good books
And invite all those jealous looks!

Count your blessings, pray for favourable stars
Though good luck needn’t come only from Mars!
For good luck there are no bars
Except good luck to have GOOD LUCK!
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COIN
Toss a coin, get heads or tails
Toss a coin, for wins and fails
Toss a coin, for ups and downs
Toss a coin, for windfall or downfall
Toss a coin, and your life goes for a toss
For, you are no longer your own boss!

Don’t let a coin rule over you
Don’t let a coin over-rule you
You are the master, you are the Boss
Let the coin go for a jolly good toss!
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The copyright of these two poems is with Mrs.Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

On cloud nine at Mount Abu

Glorious sunset at Mount Abu

After-glow of the sunset at Sunset Point

We had looked forward to visiting Mount Abu for its famed Dilwara Temples and scenic beauty, since a decade. Just being there gave us a high. Reaching the highest point in Mt. Abu, Guru Shikhar, with a beautiful Lord Dattatreya's temple, perched on a majestic huge rock, took us straightaway to seventh heaven! So this was heavenly bliss! We could feel the Divine aura envelop us in its cozy warmth. We purchased beautiful, dirt-cheap, framed prints of exquisite Rajasthani, miniature paintings as mementoes of our visit. We bought a set of 8 paintings titled, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni Sa, after each note of the classical music, which were (according to the enthusiastic salesman), to be hung on the wall, in that particular sequence only, shaped like the high and low keys of the harmonium!

Our hearts were already singing in unison! A snap clicked by our affable, smart, tourist guide, is treasured by us. It shows us in ethnic splendor, a Rajasthani ensemble complete with baubles and other accessories like the odhni and turban. Hubby and I resemble a local Rajasthani couple, in all that traditional finery.
But one has to be really fit to see Mount Abu as most of the places in our itinerary were located atop high hills, where one has to trek up and down hundreds of steep steps. Phew! As all of us managed to see all those places, our energetic guide declared that all of us were used to eating desi ghee, and were hence fit as fiddles! His certificate bolstered even the faint-hearted amongst us, like a fragile newly- wed bride and her over-solicitous husband!

Guru Shikhar - The highest point in Mt. Abu

Mount Abu is a small place which offers a variety of places for sight-seeing. All the points can be seen in a day. The people are friendly. The climate was just right, as we went there in the second week of February. It was chilly in the nights and morning and warm in the day-time.
The Nakki lake was bewitching with all its twinkling lights at night. A restaurant shaped like a motor launch, at the edge of that vast lake, added zing to the experience.

The Shree Ganesh Hotelwas clean and small, but the hearts of its owner and staff were large! The owner, Sri Kanaujiya went out of the way to make our stay comfortable. He provided us with tips for our itinerary, arranged a very reasonable sight-seeing trip at Rs. 100/- per head and gave us directions like a seasoned elderly person. He insisted on our seeing the beautiful Brahmakumari museum and Nakki lake. His son who ran the Baba’s cafeteria was smart and helpful. The cook and his assistant were two brothers. Helpful, cheerful, prompt, courteous, sincere and with a delightful sense of humor! We enjoyed our light-hearted banter with all of them over our meals. The tea that they served was out of this world!
No room service charges and fancy tariff rates assailed our senses here, as is generally the norm with big hotels. We felt very cozy and protected. The warmth of the people added to its homeliness. We wished that we could’ve stayed a little longer there. But, there is always a next time, isn’t it?

The highlight of our trip? The stroll up to the 'must-see', sunset point was tiring as well as invigorating. Tiring, because it was the last point to be seen that day, after all that ascent and descent; and invigorating because, we looked forward to that glorious much-talked about experience. Besides, the company of nubile young honeymooning couples, raucous families and sedate senior citizens, commuting in quaint hand-drawn sledge-like carriages, ponies or briskly walking towards the hill; was very lively. There was anticipation in the air. Would we see the sun in all its finery or miss it if it was shrouded in mist? All of us were on a mission at sunset point.

To see the brilliant golden orb turn orange, red and then suddenly vanish! Hawkers
vended stoles, hats and crunchy snacks. People, including myself, clicked the hills and surroundings, non-stop. Most of us saw the setting sun through our narrow camera lenses, and when we came to our senses, the sun had risen in The United States of America! As twilight set in along with the chill, we slowly made our way to the hotel. Suddenly, I turned around and saw the most beautiful scene there. Silhouttes of tourists, tall trees and the misty hills with just the after-glow of the sunset. Wow, here was the best snap, begging to be clicked! You bet, I obliged it!

Our worst experience while staying there?
It was appalling to see men lugging hand-drawn sledges filled with tourists, uphill to the Sunset point. Since the sledges were obviously too heavy, they had to literally run along with the sledges. Around 2 to 4 men were needed to pull the sledges. It was disheartening to see this inhuman practice still being followed in the 21st century. To add to their misery, people were haggling over the measly prices too! Yes, poverty abounds in India as does inhuman behavior. We could only hope that the Government does something radical to alleviate their lot.

The Majestic Ambaji Temple

We got an opportunity to visit Ambaji, a place about less than an hour from Abu Road Station. It boasts of a breath-taking, temple of the Goddess Durga and a ropeway to a hill-top shrine named Gabbar, which has an earthen lamp, burning eternally. The main road is a shopper's delight, especially for the ladies. Garments, accessories, artefacts, etc. catch one's fancy here. The 'Ambika dharamshala' attached to the temple complex is very reasonable, with rates starting from Rs. 200/- onwards. Delicious, unlimited meals can be had at the 'Ambika bhojanalay', at a 'peanuts' price' of Rs. 10/- No, I'm not joking. It's just too good to be true. This unique experience was peaceful and divine. We were filled with contentment. Our Rajasthan trip had been nicely rounded off by our unscheduled visit to this holy place of pilgrimage. Yes, all the Gods had blessed us and ushered us safely, throughout our journey. I am sure that I'll definitely visit Ambaji again, in the near future.
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The copyright of this travelogue and photographs is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

This travelogue has been published in the Spice Edition of Sakaal Times, dated 1st June, 2014.

Road-widening

Old ones are demolished

New ones are planned

Trees are felled

Dividers are installed

Traffic is diverted, obstructed

Dust and debris are scattered

Accidents are invited

Glares and abuses, received unfazed

Footpaths are narrowed

Illegal constructions, obstructions

Objections, suggestions, bull-dozed

The means hardly matter

when the ends are ‘oh’-so thoroughly justified!

Lanes are marked, demarcated

Only to be bypassed, trespassed

Roads are widened for citizen’s succor

Not for urchins to play cricket-n-soccer

Hardly has one been widened

Then it’s encroached upon, burdened

Illegal constructions, obstructions

arise like the Phoenix, unfazed

And the cycle continues

Road-widening – Maddening?

Does it hold any meaning?
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Tender Loving Care

Give me your tender loving care

I’ve enough affection to spare

Such unconditional love you’ll find rare

My love is reflected in my eyes bare !

Caress me and I’ll nuzzle you

Kiss me and I’ll cuddle up to you

Yes I’m a pet to you

And a dog for everyone else, but you !
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Mobile

I need only my mobile

to keep me foot-loose, fancy-free and mobile

I don’t need any friend imbecile

It is a fact, please reconcile!

I send SMSs till my fingers go immobile

And my mom vents her bile

Not for me, any cute gal’s guile

A mobile to my ear is the ultimate style!

To recharge it I’ll go the extra mile

My mobile's bills will always top the bills’ pile!

My dad’s ire is oh, so futile!

Clicking snaps, my time, I while

Give me just, just give me a smile!

This one is not just for the file

I’ll surely make it worth- while!

Folks, didn’t I say, don’t put me on trial

Leave me, just leave me alone with my mobile!
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Flights of Fancy

FLIGHTS OF FANCY

I wish I was a star

Twinkling down at all things from afar

I wish I was the sun

Setting and rising on all and one

I wish I was the moon

To travelers in the dark I’d be a boon !

I wish I was a flower

In my fragrance there would be power

I wish I was a butterfly

To any place I chose to go, I could fly

I wish I was a bee

Sucking nectar of all flowers I could see

I wish I was the earth

To all living beings, I’d give birth

I wish I’d be …….
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Time

I was just in time for the late night show

I was just on time with my girlfriend in tow

I was dot on time to pick up my mate

cause when last, I was late

My mate’s love just melted into hate

she ditched me and picked up another date

who was never, ever late

Now, it’s just the other way round

It’s me who’s always on time, and

It’s my girlfriend who gives me a hard time

See, I know why my earlier mate ditched me

May be it’s time for my current one

to be ditched by me!

See you next time!
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

Guess who?

GUESS WHO ?
I help you sift the right from the wrong
One prick of mine does the trick
When deceit, greed, lust, vice come along
I’m always around to drop my brick!
Sometimes I’m subdued, sometimes overbearing
I’m respected by the God-fearing
Ignored by the power-seeking.
I’m shunned by the money-minded,
Loved by the righteous and virtuous,
Overlooked by the furious.
I’m always, mind you always, serious!
If you go ahead and err, I make you realize
And correct your actions, motives, attitudes.
I most certainly cut you down to size
Uncaring about any of your platitudes!
I try to make you a good person
When you see reason, my job is well-done.
Not known for my patience
I’m your conscience!!!
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The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

My Best Teachers-A heartfelt tribute Part 3

Mr. Arun Joglekar, the teacher (guruji) who taught me Hindustani Classical singing at the Bharat Gayan Samaj, was a meticulous instructor and an exacting task-master. He was partially blind and used to commute all alone, from a distance of about 10 kms. to the music centre for imparting lessons in singing, sitar, tabla, etc. I was struck by his independent nature and the ability to take life's bitter lessons with a dose of humor.
He would make me sing the notes again and again, till my vocal chords protested. Once I was out of breath and paused for a breather. He asked me why I had stopped practising, and I said that I had run out of breath. I replied in colloquial Marathi, "Hawa geli" (The air has gone). He thought that the Harmonium which I played while singing along to its accompaniment, had not been played properly and hence the air had gone out of that wind instrument. I said, "Fufusatli hawa geli" (The air has gone out of my lungs!) He burst out laughing and said that I had a whacky sense of humor, whereas I had been too tired to crack a joke!
He knew how to put his over-smart students in place by being curt with them. His tone would convey the message as sharply as an arrow hitting the bull's eye!
When I told him that I was just interested in singing and not in giving the tedious exams on the subject, he was over-joyed and said simply, "Good, now I can concentrate on just that aspect."
He would ask me to write the notations across two pages of the fullscape book, peering closely at what I was doing, and promptly note the errors, with his limited vision. He would scold me if I sang wrongly and even explained the difference between Hindustani and Carnatic types of singing, remarking that the Carnatic vocalists were perfect in taal i.e. rhythm.
Over two and a half years, he taught me around 8 ragas. We developed genuine fondness for each other and his five-year old daughter would address me as Maushi (mother's sister, in Marathi) I also met his beautiful wife and we all would often chat like good friends. Thus the lines between our relationship had blurred from that of a guru-shishya (teacher-disciple) one to that of close friends with genuine respect and affection for each other.
Last but certainly not the least, is my favorite teacher - Life! It has taught me certain lessons that have been an eye-opener, reprimanded me for mistakes, applauded me on my good decisions and always been around, chiding, approving, coaxing, praising and egging me on towards my goals. It is what makes me a vibrant, cheerful and optimistic individual with a never-say-die attitude.
Dear Life, the experience that you have given me will always enhance my personality. Thank you for always encouraging me to see the brighter side of any issue and making me what I am! We will always be together- Till death does us apart!
**************************************************************************************The copyright of this write-up is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

My best teachers-A heartfelt tribute Part 2

Mrs. Bharucha,who taught us English in the junior college at Nowrosjee Wadia College was another dynamic and savvy teacher who taught us the lessons and explained the poems in her inimitable style. She would intersperse her lectures with a peppering of worldly-wise wisdom. For example, when she was explaining a poem describing a love story, she suddenly said,"Girls, remember,when you will eventually marry, marry someone who is slightly lower than you in your status. That is the key to a happy married life!" We were dumb-struck.

 
Once before her lecture, I had drawn the picture of a skull with two cross-bones and written "Danger" beneath it. As an after-thought, I wrote 'English' on the top portion of the black-board, as I remembered that the English lecture was due, just then.

She swept into the class in a cloud of expensive perfume, after I had taken my seat. She took one look at the board and said in an amused tone. "So that is what you think about English!" The whole class roared with laughter as I squirmed and prayed that she didn't ask who was the culprit. She didn't!

She had the habit of asking synonyms of the difficult words as she explained the lessons. I was a front-bencher who would always raise my hand and immediately give her the expected synonyms. She once remarked, "You have a very good vocabulary." I was in the seventh heaven that day.

I often remember her for the easy-going way in which she dealt with the students, her perpetual grin, her mannerisms, her loud make-up and fashionable style of dressing and her strict sense of discipline. She made the lessons lively and interesting. Her class always had cent per cent attendance!

Another teacher who left an indelible imprint on my conscience is Mrs. Haimanti Banerjee. She taught us Film Appreciation in the Bachelor of Communication and Journalism, Post-degree, Degree course of Pune University, the classes of which were held at Ranade Institute.

She would be always dressed in elegant hand-loom saris with ethnic blouses. A huge red bindi would adorn her high forehead and her hair was always tied in a bun. She was tall, had an imposing personality and a booming voice. She would explain the finer aspects of Indian classic movies and world cinema with great intensity. She would show us the clippings on the projector and subject us to a running commentary about how a particular frame had been conceived and how the various genres of movies developed over the years.

 The history of Indian Cinema and World Cinema is still crystal-clear in my memory, thanks to her vivid description. In fact, while writing the exam paper, I had absolutely no difficulty in answering any question, as her lectures literally played in my sub-conscious mind like a live relay!

She accompanied us to New Delhi for the study-tour and was a very lively, articulate, witty and intelligent companion. She encouraged us to ask questions and gain knowledge, at the various places that we visited there, like the Press club, Bureau of Parliamentary Affairs, etc. She was very sympathetic and concerned when the frame of my spectacles broke and a lens slipped off. As we were staying in the Youth Hostel in the posh Embassy area where there were no shops around, I had to roam around for three days, nearly blinded, due to my myopia, hence she ensured that I got it repaired at the earliest opportunity, when we visited a shopping area.

 
She fired the students who blew up obscene amounts of money on shopping saying, "Please remember that it is your parents' hard-earned money!" When she asked me how much I had spent, I said, Rs.130/- She was pleased to note that I'd been frugal and praised me.

She even guided us in editing our news-magazine Vritta Vidya. She was friendly, accessible, supportive and very adorable.

(To be continued)
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The copyright of this write-up is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan

My best teachers - A heartfelt tribute - Part 1

Here’s a list of my best teachers. I owe them a lot and hence wish to remember and acknowledge their contributions to my life, this Teachers’ Day.

 
The first on this list is my mother Mrs. Sharda Sharma. I learned selflessness, generosity, faith, giving unconditional love, values of kindness, humility and truthfulness, patience and fearlessness from her. She has shaped all my beliefs and actions. She taught in S.V.S.High School (it was a Primary, minority school then.) and completed her B. Ed alongside, spending the whole day in commuting from one end of the city to the other, looking after her home, studies and her duty with great aplomb. Then when she became Principal of that same school, she strived to get a new grade added to her school each year and brought it up to the Junior College level.

 
It proved to be a thankless job for her, even as she patiently and systematically went about the Government offices, (with myself as a small kid in tow!) struggling to get all the requisite sanctions with meticulous paperwork and lots of initiative and persuasion; because the school, in its golden jubilee celebrations, didn’t even acknowledge her unparalleled contribution to its growth, in a newspaper report. She had voluntarily retired by then. 

All the credit was hogged by the new Principal who was recommended by my mother for the post,before her retirement. The subsequent Principals (previously mentored by my mother) also never acknowledged my mother's invaluable contribution to the school and for bettering their working conditions. So much for gratitude!

 
Even the Facebook page dedicated to this school has no mention about her. My husband has provided the facts in his comment on that page today. I hope the folks there realize their blunder and at least have the grace to apologize to her!

When we told my mother that she should report this grave injustice and let the facts be known, she smiled and said graciously, “As long as I know what I have done for my school and my students acknowledge me, I don’t care! God is there!” 

Yes, it is this forgiving quality of hers and the ability to take everything in her stride; that make her not just a great teacher, but also a great human being.

No wonder then, that my brother has founded an N.G.O and built a school named ‘Sharda English Medium School’ after my mother. A fitting tribute to a wonderful woman who has shaped not only her children’s but so many other children’s lives!

Then comes the name of my beloved father Mr. Ramesh Sharma, the person who taught me and my siblings to be brave and confident, while struggling against all odds. He was a wonderful support to my working-mother. It is always said that behind every successful man there is a woman. In our case, my father was behind the success of my mother. He was like a rock of support for her, always helping her out with the chores, guiding us in our home-work, availing leave for our Board Exams to ferry us to and from our respective exam centres and attending to his work at his office. He ensured that we didn't only study, but had hobbies and other recreation too.

He is also a great multi-tasker and shows us how life must be lived and enjoyed. He is great pals with our friends too and they envy us for having such an easy-going and friendly father. We are never scared of him and always look up to him for any advice, and he has never ever failed us. He is a living example of how a person can be a constant source of joy for everyone around him! He is very helpful, dependable and doesn't thrive on any ego. 

He takes equal pride in my mother's and our achievements. He never boasts about his accomplishments, which are quite a few! He has always encouraged us to be forthright and fearless, honest and just, in our dealings and interactions with others.

Thanks to these two great teachers, we children have become well-balanced individuals and always strive to make them feel proud of us. For them, we are three gems and for us they are our heart and soul! We owe everything to them.

The next on my list is Mrs. Kalpana Chatterjee. She taught us English in our school. One day she happened to ask me the answer to a question from our text-book. I repeated the answer that I had learned by rote. She asked another girl to answer the same question. She gave the answer in her own words. Impressed, the teacher remarked, much to my embarrassment that I had replied the answer only by rote and not like that girl who had used a lot of new words drawing from her enhanced vocabulary.

This criticism in front of the whole class humiliated me to such an extent that I vowed to better my vocabulary. I started writing new words and learning their meanings. I filled note-books with words, words and more words! I read all the books and written matter that I could lay my hands on! I became a bookworm!

Now I am proud to say that I have an impressive vocabulary, can speak and write English very lucidly and have many published writings to my credit in reputed magazines; as well as 27 novels. I've won several writing contests. If only I could show my published work to my teacher, she’d be so proud of me! I owe my success as a writer to her criticism. Indeed, as the saying goes, “A critic is a man’s best friend!” In my case, she was my best friend.

How can I not mention the name of the unforgettable Ms. Nalini Deshpande, who taught us Hindi in our school? She was often surprised that I wrote so well in Hindi. She appreciated my essays and told me that I must continue writing in Hindi whenever I could manage time in-between my studies. Thanks to her insistence, I read many Hindi novels and wrote a lot. I won many Hindi essay-writing contests at school and even when I worked in the LIC of India. Now I am proficient in speaking and writing both in English and in Hindi!

To her credit, she made the lessons come alive with her insightful description of the characters and the stories. The manner in which she spoke fluent Hindi and her expressions as she taught; will always be fresh in my memory.
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(To be continued)

The copyright of this article is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

Rajasthan- A heritage walk!

Part 1- Jaipur

    All the images that I’d seen on the internet, faded from my memory, as vibrant, breath-taking, real ones captured my fancy. Truly, love at first sight! Rajasthan, literally translated into the land of the ‘Rajas’, royalty; undiluted, pure and ethereal, embraced us warmly, right since we stepped off the train, in the afternoon, at Jaipur Junction.
      On the first platform itself, we spied on the RTDC office and walked in, tired and exhausted. We were attended to immediately, by the official on duty, who asked us to book the next day’s local sight- seeing tour of Jaipur, conducted by RTDC. He even gently dissuaded us from opting for that evening’s half-day’s sight-seeing tour, by saying that we’d be covering many more places in our day trip. We gladly accepted his advice and were relieved to note that he had been right, after the sight-seeing the next day.
     At about 9.30 am, all of us (tourists) were escorted to a very comfortable deluxe bus by our young and enthusiastic tourist guide, Mr. Bhawani Singh. He was slender, agile, attentive and informative. He gave us all the information about Jaipur as we saw one spot after the other. He even paid special attention to two Japanese tourists who weren’t very proficient in English, by individually repeating the information slowly to them. 

Awesome Hawa Mahal

    We were disappointed that the bus couldn’t halt at the famed Hawa Mahal, as it is situated bang on the side of a narrow and bustling street, where buses aren’t allowed to halt!
   As the guide rattled off details about the monument, the intrepid tourists, including me, started clicking snaps feverishly, as the bus passed by the palace slowly, “for the tourists’ benefit,” as the guide cheekily proclaimed.

The Pristine Birla Mandir

Then we went to the Birla Mandir, a beautiful temple, intricately carved in white marble. Peaceful and beautiful, it has life-sized, statues of the divine consorts, Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi; stained glass paintings of various other gods and goddesses and a high-vaulted and carved ceiling. The temple is surrounded by a lush-green garden and has a majestic fort, high on a hill, as an imposing and interesting back-drop.
    

The Majestic City Palace

City Palace was the next halt in our itinerary. Its imposing structure and meticulous symmetry literally took our breath away. Once home to Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, the founder of Jaipur, it now stands as a proud reminder of its royal heritage. It houses a museum and a small book-shop.
When we went to Jantar Mantar, the world-famous open-air observatory, founded in the early eighteenth century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh, we couldn’t help being awed by his devotion to science and technology and the perfection with which all the astronomical instruments, till date, show the latitudes, longitudes, time, eclipses and the sun signs of people. Of course, the guide was at his lucid best, when he painstakingly demonstrated how time can be exactly ascertained on the sundial there.

Sundial at Jantar Mantar- Jaipur

    When he asked us to check our watches, we were speechless. The exact time was reflected on the sundial. The shadow created by the sun helps in reading the time on the sundial. It was 10.15 a.m. then. Another large sundial stands proudly nearby. It is the world’s largest one. Eerily, I felt as if I had been transported back, to that venerable ruler’s era, in a time machine. I had goose-bumps!We were to halt at Nahargarh fort for lunch. The serpentine road, winding uphill, through dense trees and beautiful scenery all around, lulled our senses, till we almost started dozing. After a short and steep climb, we reached the restaurant that has been set up in a part of that fort, obviously to give a slice of history along with a delicious “thali” (Ready lunch-plate) for lunch, to the by-now famished tourists! The restaurant is furnished in wood and wrought iron furniture and sofa sets embellished with delicate Rajasthani paintings with matching huge tables to place the plates on!

Nahargarh Fort

The view of the city from that height was impressive and panoramic. The fort has exquisite Rajasthani paintings of warriors mounted on elephants and bouquets of dainty flowers. I was almost expecting some warrior or damsel from the ancient ages to come face-to-face with us and surprise us! A cannon at its entrance invited all of us to click ourselves beside it. Had it been in its true form, spitting balls of fire, we’d have run miles from it, I thought, amused!
Near the fort is a deep well-like structure with an amphitheatre like ambience. Our guide informed us that this was where the famous song, “You Santro….” from the hit film, ‘Rang De Basanti’ had been shot, with Aamir Khan, dangling perilously from the edge.
       After trekking back to our bus, I joked with the guide and told him that he had made us hungry by asking us to trudge uphill to the restaurant and then helped us in digesting our lunch by the return trek! The driver of the bus and the guide shared a hearty laugh.

The massive cannon at Jaigarh Fort

      At our next halt, Jaigarh Fort, we saw the largest cannon in the world, proudly standing on a hillock. It weighs 80 tonnes and has been constructed in-situ, that is, just where it stands. It was capable of firing a huge round of ammunition at one go. Phew! Just thinking about its capability made us perspire. An elderly man from our group gave us an interesting insight, just then. He hastened to us and told us to click a snap of a pigeon that had just entered into the mouth of the cannon. He told us that that bird was a symbol of peace in that symbol of war! It wanted peace, not war! Just like us, I mused. But the bird gave us a slip, as it flew away, just as I was poised to take a shot. I ruefully looked at that gentleman and wondered why he hadn’t taken that shot instead of telling us about it. I thought that maybe that elusive bird had spoilt his shot too!

Aesthetic Marvel - Amer Fort

    Amer fort, a massive yellow-stoned edifice, majestically soaring into the skies, was our next invite. The massive, strong wooden doors with bronze knobs welcomed us into a very vast and spacious area where we saw the “Diwan-e-Aam” and the “Diwan-e- Khaas”, the halls which were used for public meetings and private consultations, respectively. The beautifully carved stone pillars and arches, with their perfect symmetry, were very pleasing to the eye. So were the “Zanana Mahals” which were 11 in number, and comprised of a set of halls, bedrooms, bathing spaces, etc. for each of the 11 wives of the King, Maharaja Amer.
     The garden was perfectly maintained and had an inbuilt system of small channels which instantly watered the whole garden from the central duct. We marveled at the ancient architects and wondered why we couldn’t take lessons from them! Such huge edifices had been meticulously crafted when there had been no modern equipments or even the now-ubiquitous and essential cement! Truly, all these fine structures were a labor of love and hard work. Passion coupled with pride had transformed sturdy rocks into memorials that had withstood centuries of time. Neither war not the ravages of weather had succeeded in diminishing their majesty!
   

Lord Krishna's temple at Kanaka Vrindavan- Jaipur

We rounded off our sight-seeing with a visit to the Lord Krishna’s beautiful temple in Kanaka Vrindavan. (Recently, I saw the movie Lamhe, in which actress Sridevi was dancing to the divine melody of “Mohe chedo na nand ke lala….” (Please don’t tease me, my beloved Lord Krishna…) in this temple.) Near-by was located a small shop selling footwear, jackets, and handbags made from camel-skin and lac bangles. The prices were reasonable and the salesmen assured us of the sturdiness and comfort of the footwear that we bought there, a pair of slip-ons for my hubby and a pair of “medicinal” chappals for myself; which would ostensibly, give great relief to any ‘foot problems’(as per the salesman)! Interestingly, the shop had been founded by the oldest man in India, as certified by the Guinness Book of Records, who died when he was 114! Till date, the shop is ably managed by his progeny. A laminated poster, right at the shop’s entrance, proudly displays a photo of that venerable man with his Guinness Certificate and his children and relatives.
Enroute to our drop-off point, the guide pointed out the reason for Jaipur earning the sobriquet of “the pink city”. We were driving through the old Jaipur area, where a broad thoroughfare was flanked by elegant buildings of pink stone, on both the sides. He even said that Jaipur was supposed to be the second well-planned city in the world, in those ancient times, after Paris!
        ‘Jal Mahal’, beautifully lit and sitting like a lantern amidst a huge lake and the ‘Hawa Mahal’, in its fully illuminated glory. It was dusk. Jaipur was enchanting with its street-lights and regal aura.

Enchanting Jal Mahal

Later he pointed out the exquisite
The sight-seeing ended with all of us in a trance. We had been so enveloped by the glorious past that we found it a tad difficult to come back to the present-day chaos.
The next day, we went to Ajmer by bus. It took us around two and a half hours. We took a rickshaw to the dargah (mausoleum) of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, also known as Khwaja Garib Nawaz, which is world-renowned. We offered the chadar (shawl) and other customary offerings there and prayed fervently. The attendant there tied a sacred thread around my hubby’s neck and my neck.
One has to tie a sacred thread at a gate there and ask for any blessing. It is believed that one’s mannat or wish is fulfilled, by the grace and benevolence of the seer, Khwaja Garib Nawaz. Devotees of all faiths thronged the dargah. The place bestows a serene sense of fulfillment to the devotees. We sat and meditated for a while and then made our way out. We could see old and impoverished people rubbing their foreheads on the floor there and also rubbing their foreheads on the gates there, obviously asking for redemption from their misery.

Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti's Dargah at Ajmer

After a quick, delicious lunch of ‘aloo paranthas’ (chapattis stuffed with potato curry) and curds at a restaurant, we made our way through the crowded, narrow lane, with shops and stalls selling an array of products from offerings for the dargah, clothes, accessories, attar (concentrated perfumes), etc.; to the place from where we would get a bus to go to Pushkar. After waiting for what seemed an interminable time, we boarded an auto to the Ajmer bus stand. We boarded a crowded bus going to Pushkar. It took us a little more than an hour to reach the holy pilgrimage place, Pushkar which boasts of the only temple devoted to Lord Brahma, the Creator of this universe, (as per Hindu mythology); in the whole world.
Legend has it that Lord Brahma had been cursed by his first wife Savitri that nobody would worship him and hence no temple would be built for him. This legend was narrated by a precocious young brat, a self-proclaimed over-talkative, guide who waylaid us as soon as we set foot in Pushkar. As we walked through a narrow, winding lane flanked by stalls selling stone idols, bead necklaces, garments and other potpourri; to the famed Pushkar lake, he walked determinedly along us, reluctant to leave us alone. The lake was vast, serene and beautiful.

Pushkar Lake

Many devotees were bathing and the others were religiously following the instructions of ‘pandits’ (priests) who lined the ghats, praying for the well-being of their beloved families. We were caught unawares, as that little ‘guide’ suddenly asked us to sit on a mat spread on the steps to the lake. A ‘pandit’ miraculously materialized and before we knew it, we were willy-nilly parroting the mantras (religious chants) recited by him for the well-being of our beloved family!
When he proceeded to ask for a hefty ‘dakshina’ (fees for performing rituals), warning bells rang aloud in our ears and we firmly informed him that we would give him only Rs.101/-. Though a little crestfallen, he accepted the same humbly. Our ‘guide’ clamored for his fee of Rs.11/- When I asked him whether he attended school regularly, he proudly stated that he was a ‘guide’ after school-hours! I had a sneaking suspicion that he was either that pandit’s son or relative. I fumed inwardly at the thought of this form of child labor. Only, here the child was too willing to work and was enjoying himself thoroughly!
We drank tea from little clay cups. It was flavored with cardamom, sweet and delicious. The vessel in which it was being brewed was a huge container of brass, gleaming in the sunshine. I clicked a snap of that vendor and his make-shift tea-stall, with my hubby. I bought a sari from a shop at a throwaway price. Then we joined the queue to the Brahma temple, which was yet to open. Our camera, cell-phone and bags were deposited in a locker at the footsteps of the temple.
The temple is a small shrine, peaceful and calm. The idol of Brahma looks benign and urges you to contemplate on your raison d’etre in this world. It’s as if the Lord wants you to be grateful to be alive and do something constructive with this precious gift that he has bestowed on you! After some quiet contemplation and meditation, we reluctantly started our return journey to Jaipur. Undoubtedly we had changed and become more spiritual, thanks to that sublime experience.
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The copyright of this travelogue and photographs is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.

The travelogue on Jaipur titled 'Enchanting Jaipur' has been published in the Spice Edition of Sakaal Times on 5th October, 2014.

The travelogue on Ajmer and Pushkar titled 'A Divine Journey' has been published in the Spice Edition of Sakaal Times on 30th November, 2014.

To Dad, With Love

My friend, philosopher and guide
You are always there by my side
Between us there is nothing to hide
Life has been such a smooth ride!
At times a friend, at times a brother,
Even a mother, aren't you dear father?
Like you there can be none other
I can vouch for that, my dear father!
Easy-going and fun-loving you've always been
Principles and values like yours, I've never seen
Never strict even when I was a teen
Your countenance is ever so serene!
You always take things easily in your stride
By honesty, patience and faith you always abide.
You are the best father, I say with pride
Always my friend, philosopher and guide! *********************************************************************************** The copyright of this poem is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan